Did you know that with the right approach to commercial roof maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your roof by anywhere from 25 to 100 percent? This is true even in New York, Boston, and other major East Coast cities, where conditions are often hard on roofs.
Maintenance requires a bit of an upfront investment but can save you a lot of money in the long run. Let’s outline how you should approach commercial roofing maintenance.
Start With a Visual Check-Over
The first step in maintaining your roof is to give it a visual look-over. This is often pretty easy with a flat commercial roof. Inspecting a sloped roof is a bit more difficult but still doable. No matter the roof type, make sure you’re using the proper safety gear.
During your visual check over, keep an eye out for:
- Obvious signs of physical damage
- Mold
- Ponding Water
- Unwanted vegetation, such as weeds
- Debris
Inspecting the roof field can be especially tricky if you’re unfamiliar with commercial roofing. Commercial roofs are often covered with a membrane that prevents leaks and helps insulate the building. Tears and other problems in the membrane can be hard to spot if you don’t know what to look for. It’s often best to bring in professional commercial roofing inspectors.
It’s especially smart to check over your commercial roof after a major weather event. Hail is relatively common along the East Coast and can damage even well-constructed commercial roofs. If you notice problems, make sure you write them down so you don’t forget them later.
Check Over the Roof Perimeter
Next up is the roof perimeter. You’ll likely be operating close to the edge of the roof, so once again make sure you have the right safety gear and protocols in place. If it’s windy or rainy, as it often is in NYC and along the East Coast, you should probably wait until the weather clears up.
You’ll want to check over:
- Seams
- Caps
- Coping joints
- Counter flashing
- The roof corners
- Base flashing
- Termination bars
- … and more
Watch for obvious signs of damage or excessive wear and tear. You’ll want to note any damage found.
Pay Close Attention to Gutters and Drainage Systems
Gutters and drainage systems are crucial for removing water. If water is left to pool on your roof, it’ll wear down the roof membrane and other materials.
If it’s recently rained and you notice pooling water, make sure you check nearby gutters and drains. On dry days, you’ll want to inspect the gutters for signs of blockage. If a blockage is present, it needs to be removed as soon as possible.
Make Sure Roof Penetrations Are Properly Sealed
Most roofs are penetrated by various apparatuses, such as HVAC cooling and heating units. These units should be sealed, ensuring that water can’t get through any gaps. However, the seals will break down over time and penetrations may need to be resealed.
Test Roof Core Samples
Roofs can be surprisingly complex if you’re unfamiliar with them. Professional roofing maintenance companies along the East Coast will often take roof core samples. It’s smart to leave roof core samples to the pros as you may inadvertently damage the structure.
Often, obtaining a roof core sample is a bit “destructive” in the sense that you will have to cut into the roof to take samples of the underlying materials. After a sample is taken, the damage can be repaired and sealed.
What to do if You Find Damage
Even the best-constructed roofs in NYC and along the East Coast will break down over time. This is natural but proper maintenance can greatly extend the lifespan of the roof. Any issues found must be addressed.
Building managers and regular maintenance staff may be able to address some types of roofing damage, such as cleaning up debris or unclogging gutters. However, when it comes to complicated repairs, it’s often best to bring in professional roofers. They can get the job done safely, properly, and quickly.
If you’ve noticed damage on your roof or would like to partner with professional commercial inspectors, get in touch.